lawmakers recently got a look at a recent document explaining why the obama administration believes drone strikes can also gaert target americans who join with terrorists overseas. >> it's the idea of giving any president unfettered power to kill an american without checks and balances that's so troubling. >> reporter: brennan defended the policy. >> the president has insisted that any actions we take will be legally grounded. >> reporter: brennan was up for cia director in 2009, but withdrew his name from consideration after questions arose about his role in the war on terror. brennan was a cia executive when the bush administration used harrish interrogation techniques like waterboarding, but he denies any involvement. >> waterboarding is reprehensive and something that should not be done. >> reporter: human rights groups opposed brennan's nomination. a protesser had to be removed from the hearing. she said drone strikes also kill innocent americans. >> this is not the american way. >> reporter: the senate committee will review the hearing testimony and vote on his confirmation later th